Current Affairs - May 8, 2024 Current Affairs

The Government of India aims to replace the Explosives Act 1884 with the new Explosives Bill 2024, as proposed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This initiative seeks to update regulations, raise fines for violations, and streamline licensing procedures related to explosives, ensuring better compliance and safety standards.

The joint exercise "Gagan Strike-II" conducted by the Indian Army's Kharga Corps and the Indian Air Force (IAF) took place in Punjab. This exercise aimed to refine processes and validate the use of attack helicopters in mechanized operations, showcasing synergy and jointmanship between the two branches of the Indian armed forces.

Subodh Kumar, a 2010-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Tamil Nadu cadre, has been appointed as Director in the Ministry of Ayush. His appointment, effective immediately, directs his release from his current post and highlights considerations for election-related duty if engaged in such responsibilities.

Manipur's government launched the "School on Wheels" program to address the educational needs of students in relief camps due to ethnic strife and natural disasters. This initiative, equipped with educational resources and a teacher, aims to deliver education to students amidst challenging circumstances.

The Taam Ja' Blue Hole, identified as the world's deepest, is located in Mexico's Chetumal Bay. This discovery, detailed in Frontiers in Marine Science, presents an exciting opportunity for scientific exploration and the potential discovery of new marine life in the abyssal depths of this blue hole.

ICICI Bank has introduced a groundbreaking feature allowing non-resident Indian (NRI) customers to use Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India through their international mobile numbers. This initiative enhances convenience for NRIs by streamlining payments without the need for an Indian mobile number, empowering global transactions and leveraging the UPI infrastructure provided by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Infibeam Avenues' CCAvenue has partnered with Shivalik Small Finance Bank to provide merchants with access to Shivalik SFB's customer base for seamless payments. This collaboration enhances business potential by enabling account holders of Shivalik SFB to make payments on websites powered by CCAvenue through the bank's Internet banking service. This integration benefits merchants across various sectors by tapping into Shivalik SFB's extensive customer base, thereby augmenting their business opportunities.

Bajaj Auto, under Rajiv Bajaj's leadership, is gearing up to revolutionize transportation by introducing the world's first CNG-powered motorcycle on June 18, 2024. This groundbreaking move aims to provide consumers with a cost-effective alternative amidst rising petrol prices. The CNG motorcycle promises lower running costs compared to traditional petrol-powered bikes, making it an attractive option for daily commuting.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed annually on May 8th. This day commemorates the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). It serves as a global celebration of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's unity and humanitarian spirit, emphasizing the importance of humanity, compassion, and solidarity in times of crisis.

World Thalassaemia Day is observed annually on May 8th. The day aims to raise global awareness about thalassaemia, support affected individuals and caregivers, promote research for a cure, and dispel myths surrounding the disease. Thalassaemia is a genetic disorder affecting haemoglobin production, leading to anaemia and other complications for those with thalassaemia major.

The 26th ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting occurred in New Delhi. During this meeting, discussions were held on various aspects of ASEAN-India relations, including political security, economic, and socio-cultural engagement as outlined in the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025). Key topics included the implementation of the Prime Minister’s 12-Point Proposal and preparations for the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane.

Visa has appointed Sujai Raina as the new Country Manager for India. In this role, Raina will lead Visa’s strategic initiatives in India's digital payments market, working closely with clients and the broader payments ecosystem. This appointment reflects Visa's commitment to India as a critical growth market and its focus on scaling digital payments through innovative solutions tailored to the country's needs.